New Guidance on Zoonotic Infections in the Canadian arctic Highlights Risks Amid Climate Change
The Canadian Arctic, a region of breathtaking landscapes and rich Indigenous cultures, is facing a growing threat from zoonotic infections — diseases transmitted from animals to humans. A new review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) provides critical guidance for clinicians navigating these risks, notably as climate change reshapes the Arctic ecosystem and increases the potential for disease transmission.
The review, authored by Dr. Justin penner, an infectious diseases physician at CHEO in Ottawa and qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, Nunavut, alongside coauthors, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the region. “Indigenous Peoples continue to be caretakers of the Canadian Arctic; their cultural connection with the Arctic environment and ecosystem generates unique exposures to the zoonotic diseases discussed, as well as others not covered here,” the authors write.
The Arctic’s Unique Bioclimates and Communities
Table of Contents
The Canadian Arctic spans three distinct bioclimates — subarctic, low arctic, and high arctic — across a vast geographic area.Indigenous communities, including the Inuit, Gwich’in, and Athabaskan peoples, have long thrived in these environments, maintaining a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. Though, this connection also exposes them to zoonotic infections, which are frequently enough underrecognized in clinical settings.
The authors advocate for a holistic approach to patient care, integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Conventional Knowledge) with the One Health principle.This principle underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, offering a framework for understanding and addressing zoonotic diseases.
Risk Factors and Traditional Practices
Traditional practices, such as consuming “contry foods” — wild game, fish, and sea mammals — are integral to the health and culture of Arctic communities. However, these practices also pose risks for zoonotic infections.Hunting, harvesting animals, preparing animal skins, and owning sled dogs are additional risk factors highlighted in the review.
Climate change is exacerbating these risks. “Animal behavior is changing, including migration patterns, largely as a result of diminishing sea ice, which limits hunting,” the authors note. These shifts affect parasite life cycles and disrupt traditional food preservation methods, such as fermentation and ice-cellar storage. Warmer temperatures are also enabling the northward spread of insect vectors,introducing new infections to vulnerable Arctic populations.
A Call for Clinician Awareness and Respect
The review underscores the importance of clinicians understanding and respecting Indigenous customs.”Cultural proximity and interaction with the Arctic ecosystem are important factors in understanding some of the under-recognized infectious diseases within the region,” the authors write. By incorporating traditional knowledge into clinical care, healthcare providers can better identify infectious exposures, guide treatment, and develop prevention programs tailored to Arctic communities.
Key Takeaways: zoonotic Infections in the Arctic
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Primary Risk Factors | Consumption of country foods, hunting, animal skin readiness, sled dogs |
| Climate Change Impacts| Altered animal migration, melting permafrost, spread of insect vectors |
| Cultural Considerations| Integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and One Health principles |
| Clinical Guidance | Holistic approach to patient care, respect for traditional practices |
Looking Ahead
As global interest in the Arctic grows and climate change continues to reshape the region, the need for targeted guidance on zoonotic infections has never been more urgent. The review serves as a vital resource for clinicians, offering insights into the unique challenges faced by Arctic communities and the importance of culturally informed care.
For more details,read the full review in CMAJ here.Engage with Us
What are your thoughts on the intersection of climate change and zoonotic diseases? Share your insights in the comments below or explore more about the one Health approach here.
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This article is based on information from the original review published in CMAJ. For further reading, visit the full article here.
The Canadian Arctic, a region of stunning landscapes and vibrant indigenous cultures, is increasingly facing the threat of zoonotic infections—diseases transmitted from animals to humans. A recent review published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) sheds light on these risks, particularly as climate change reshapes the Arctic ecosystem. To delve deeper into this critical issue, we sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, an infectious disease specialist and co-author of the review, to discuss the challenges and solutions for Arctic communities.
The Arctic’s Unique Bioclimates and Communities
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, the Canadian Arctic spans diverse bioclimates. How do these environments influence the spread of zoonotic diseases?
Dr. Carter: The Arctic’s bioclimates—subarctic, low Arctic, and high Arctic—create unique ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife. Indigenous communities,such as the Inuit,Gwich’in,and Athabaskan peoples,have thrived here for centuries,maintaining a deep connection to the land. Though, this connection also exposes them to zoonotic infections, which are frequently enough underrecognized in clinical settings. Climate change is altering these ecosystems, expanding the habitats of disease-carrying animals and vectors, and increasing the risk of transmission.
Risk Factors and Traditional Practices
Senior Editor: Traditional practices like consuming “country foods” are integral to Arctic cultures. How do these practices intersect with zoonotic risks?
Dr. Carter: Country foods—wild game, fish, and sea mammals—are not only a dietary staple but also a cultural cornerstone for Arctic communities. However, these practices come with risks. Hunting, preparing animal skins, and owning sled dogs can expose individuals to zoonotic pathogens. Climate change exacerbates these risks by altering animal migration patterns and disrupting traditional food preservation methods,such as fermentation and ice-cellar storage. Warmer temperatures are also enabling the northward spread of insect vectors, introducing new infections to vulnerable populations.
A Call for Clinician Awareness and respect
Senior Editor: The review emphasizes the importance of culturally informed care. How can clinicians better support Arctic communities?
Dr. Carter: Clinicians must understand and respect Indigenous customs. Cultural proximity to the Arctic ecosystem is key to recognizing underdiagnosed infectious diseases. By integrating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Traditional knowledge) with the One Health principle—which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—we can develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies. This holistic approach ensures that care is not only medically sound but also culturally appropriate.
looking Ahead: The Role of Climate Change
Senior editor: as climate change continues to reshape the Arctic,what are the most pressing concerns for zoonotic infections?
Dr. Carter: The rapid environmental changes in the Arctic are unprecedented. Melting permafrost,shifting animal migration patterns,and the spread of insect vectors are creating new challenges for disease surveillance and prevention. Clinicians and public health officials must work closely with Indigenous communities to monitor these changes and adapt strategies accordingly. The review in CMAJ serves as a vital resource, offering guidance tailored to the unique needs of Arctic populations.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Risk Factors | Consumption of country foods, hunting, animal skin planning, sled dogs |
| Climate Change impacts | Altered animal migration, melting permafrost, spread of insect vectors |
| cultural Considerations | Integration of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and One Health principles |
| Clinical Guidance | Holistic approach to patient care, respect for traditional practices |
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights. This conversation underscores the urgent need for culturally informed, climate-resilient healthcare in the Arctic.
For more details, read the full review in CMAJ. To learn more about the One Health approach,visit WHO’s One Health page.
